Sunday, November 10, 2013

Nissan BladeGlider concept set for Tokyo Motor Show debut

It may seem like a car suitable for Rick Deckard as he tracks down aliens masquerading as human beings, but Nissan will be taking to this month’s Tokyo Motor Show to showcase the wild and absolutely crazy BladeGlider concept.

The BladeGlider shares a shape inspired by the DeltaWing racecar and Nissan’s own ZEOD RC concept, which will be competing in next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. A peculiar shape it may be, but its lightweight and narrow front track, coupled with the wide rear end, does wonders for reducing drag and considerably improving high-speed and cornering stability.

Of course, it helps to have doors that swing upwards and underbody aerodynamics that help keep the rubber glued to the tarmac. The BladeGlider’s fighter jet-like stance lends to a one-plus-two interior layout with the driver smack-dab in the middle, similar to the McLaren F1. A lithium-ion battery and carbon fibre bodywork help keep the weight down, translating to a 30/70 front/rear weight distribution. Detailed specs haven’t been announced just yet, but Nissan says the BladeGlider shares much of its engineering with the ZEOD RC, packing electric motors at each wheel.

It might be countless years until we see a production version of the BladeGlider, but Nissan wants to make it into a reality. After all, Nissan says it hints at the future of its electric car.